India, Jan. 10 -- Iran is witnessing one of its most serious waves of unrest in years as protests spread across major cities, driven by a collapsing economy and growing public anger. Amid speculation that he might flee the country, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has remained in Tehran and appeared publicly to address the nation, sending a strong message to both protesters and foreign powers.

Khamenei spoke after Friday prayers, rejecting rumors that he had left or planned to leave Iran. His public appearance aimed to project control at a time when demonstrations continued despite heavy restrictions and a near-total communications blackout.

In his address, Khamenei made it clear that the Islamic Republic would not tolerate continu...